Rep. Fleming: Time to Reform Entitlements is NOW

Congressman John Fleming, M.D. released the following statement today responding to a Medicare Board of Trustees Report showing that the Medicare Trust Fund will run out money in 2024 - five years earlier than what was forecasted last year making it even more imperative to reform this entitlement so that it can be solvent moving forward. With healthcare costs surging and our debt spiraling out of control, reforming medicare is an essential step to getting us back on sound financial footing.

"This report underscores the need to reform entitlements NOW. But rather fixing this imminent catastrophe, Democrats and President Obama would rather play the "mediscare" game and push health care rationing," said Congressman Fleming. "I support real reforms to medicare that make it sustainable for the future while not changing benefits for participants over 55 years of age."

Congressman Fleming added, "As a practicing physician for over 30 years, I know firsthand the need for these reforms which is why I stood with Republicans to vote for and pass real medicare reforms that bring us back to financial sanity and put the patient first."

Dr. John Fleming is Chairman of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs and is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. He is a physician and small business owner and represents the 4th Congressional District of Louisiana.